Page 171 of Pure Recklessness

The pilot’s voice sounded, welcoming us and announcing that the flight would take about two hours and forty-five minutes and that we’d be departing soon.

‘Are you okay?’ Blake softened his voice as we fastened our seatbelts.

‘I’m nervous, but also really excited.’

‘You’ll be fine. I’ll make sure of it.’

My heart fluttered. When I was with Blake, I felt protected. Like even if there was a hurricane, earthquake or tornado, he’d keep me safe.

Oh God. Was this plane even safe? Compared to a commercial plane, it was so small and fragile. Did it go through the same checks as normal flights?

My pulse raced. I’d only just started living. There was so much more I wanted to do with my life. I wasn’t ready for it to end now.

‘What’s wrong?’ Blake asked.

‘Is the plane safe? What if⁠—’

‘It’s perfectly safe. It undergoes rigorous checks before every flight.’

‘I’m not sure if I can do this.’ My breath grew ragged as my pulse spiked.

‘Ellie.’ Blake held my face in his. ‘I’ll keep you safe. I promise. Lay your head on my chest, close your eyes and listen to my heartbeat. Okay?’

I nodded, then did as he said.

Even when I felt the plane taxiing to the runway, I kept my eyes squeezed shut. As the jet took off, Blake rubbed slow circles on my back.

Feeling his large warm palms and hearing his steady heartbeat instantly soothed me.

I must’ve drifted off for a while, but when I woke up, Blake was still massaging my back. I slowly lifted my head and when I looked in his eyes, my breath caught in my throat.

This man.

He really was the total package.

Even in those early days when I didn’t like him (that was putting it politely), it was obvious that he was confident, powerful, insanely handsome and had that big dick energy that told me he’d be phenomenal in bed. But what I hadn’t predicted was how kind and caring he was.

Despite his grumpy, hard exterior, inside he was as squishy as a teddy bear.

‘You’re awake.’ He smiled as I rubbed my eyes. ‘How are you feeling?’

‘Much better, thanks. What are you reading?’ I glanced at the thick manuscript Blake was holding with his free hand.

‘The draft of Sarah Jeffries’s second novel.’

‘Oh my God! Her first book was amazing,’ I gushed. ‘How is it? I’ve heard that writing the second book is always tricky after a super successful debut.’

‘It’s excellent.’ Blake grinned. ‘Even better than her first. It’ll be another bestseller. I’m sure of it.’

‘Amazing! Can’t wait to read it. And I’d love to visit The Romance Library. Sated’s library is great, but a whole library dedicated to romance novels with a bookish café, rooftop bar with sea views and a readers’ retreat sounds like heaven. Sunshine Bay, the beach town it’s based in looks stunning, too.’

‘Yes, it’s very impressive. I’ll take you there one day.’ Blake’s gaze quickly flicked to the window as if he was considering whether that would be a good idea.

‘I heard that D.D. Desire and obviously Sarah have done some events there. If we organise more Sated events at The Romance Library, that’ll be the perfect excuse for us to visit,’ I added to reassure Blake that I knew we still had to be careful about being spotted together by people from the industry.

‘Agreed. Ready to eat?’

‘Yes.’ I glanced at the table on the other side which now had a basket of pastries in the centre.